Threshers Lose Late Lead, Fall 4-3

JUPITER, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers took a 3-1 lead into the ninth, but a trio of two-out runs allowed the Palm Beach Cardinals to take a 4-3 victory on Wednesday night at Roger Dean Stadium.

Clearwater (12-46) gave starter Ryan Demmin early run support in the second inning when Art Charles had a one-out single. He would advanced to third on a Brian Pointer single, and score on a sac fly by Angelo Mora.

Charles, named to the Florida State League North Division All-Star team on Wednesday, wasn't finished there. He would score another run in the fourth to pad onto the Threshers' lead.

After hitting a one-out double, Charles would advance to third on a Gabriel Lino single and score on another Pointer single to give the Threshers a 2-0 lead.

Charles celebrated his recent accolade by going 3-for-4 at the plate with a pair of doubles and two runs scored.

Clearwater would tack on one more run in the seventh to give the Threshers a 3-1 lead.

Demmin pitched seven strong innings in his Threshers' debut. The lefty allowed just one run on six hits and a walk to go along with five strikeouts.

Guth (1-3) came on in the ninth to attempt to shut the door for Clearwater, but control issues would make for a wild finish.

After getting Alex Majia to pop out for the first out, Guth walked Bruce Caldwell to put a runner on first.

With David Washington batting, Guth uncorked his first wild pitch of the inning, which allowed Caldwell to advance 90 feet. Washington would strike out later in the at-bat to give the Cardinals two outs.

Casey Rasmus singled home Washington to cut the Threshers' lead to one. Rasmus would advance to second on a passed ball by Lino.

Jimmy Bosco then reached on an infield single, advancing Rasmus to third on the play.

With runners at the corners and Charlie Tilson batting, Guth let loose another wild pitch, allowing the tying run to cross and put the winning run in scoring position at second base.

Tilson then lined a single to left, scoring Bosco from second with the game-winner.

The Threshers will look to rebound Thursday night against the Cardinals (28-31), with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.